Seaport Village is in the midst of a badly needed, very overdue revamp. It’s going to cost millions and take a long time, but if everything goes according to plan, it’ll be worth it.
A number of restaurants, breweries, and retail shops have already moved in, and a whole bunch more are coming, including Shorebird Restaurant, which will arrive in late 2024. Shorebird first opened in Newport Beach in 2020 and now operates restaurants in Palm Desert and Sedona, Arizona, under the WildThyme Restaurant Group umbrella. They first announced they were coming to Seaport Village two years ago, but owner and chairman Heinrich Stasiuk says they’re on track to (finally) open later this year.
Despite the delays, CEO Niko Viramo says opening in Seaport Village was a no-brainer, thanks to its strategic location in an area that developer 1HWY1 is in the midst of revitalizing.
Shorebird’s Newport Beach restaurant interior
“The iconic building caught our attention immediately due to its uniqueness and its status as the ‘face’ of Seaport Village,” he says. “We saw this as an incredible opportunity to create a dining experience that complements the rich history and vibrant atmosphere that [it] offers.”
Shorebird will sprawl over 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor patio space, with seating for 120 guests and an upstairs dining room and bar with 360-degree views. Spectrum Space Design crafted the space as an “upbeat coastal eatery” with a “modern, breezy, beach design,” says Stasiuk, adding that Spectrum also handled the design for the other Shorebird locations.
Director of culinary development, Jay Bogsinske, will work with executive chef Bert Bonnarens to design a menu heavy on seafood and wood-fired meat, including salmon mignon, Chilean sea bass, swordfish tacos, and smoked Duroc pork chops. But, Stasiuk adds, don’t overlook the sushi. “Shorebird is a scratch kitchen, and thus, all food is made fresh each day,” he promises, pointing to details like housemade tortillas and their beverage program. He says the passion fruit martini is a particular favorite.
The restaurant will be open daily for brunch and dinner. Hopefully, the multi-year delays will soon be over, and we’ll all be able to enjoy one of Shorebird’s signature espresso martinis very soon. Stay tuned for more updates.
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Piroshky Piroshky Bakery Brings a Taste of Eastern Europe to San Diego
On Wednesday, April 17, pastry lovers and fans of Eastern European cuisine can get their fill at the Piroshky Piroshky pop-up at Ballast Point Brewing (9045 Carroll Road). From 5 p.m.—7 p.m., the Seattle bakery will serve Ballast Point beers alongside its signature hand pies—with sweet, savory, meaty, vegan, and vegetarian options available. (Pre-orders are encouraged.)
Embolden and New Motion Beverages Host Taste of Japan
Japanese street food alongside craft beer and other beverages? That sounds good to me. On Saturday, April 13, Embolden Beer Company and New Motion Beverages will host Taste of Japan from noon to 6 p.m. at their Miramar location. Entry is free, but you can get a $1 taster when you tell them you’re coming (while supplies last).
Beth’s Bites
If the James Beard Awards are the Oscars of the food world, then winning Best Chef is basically Best Director, and Animae’s Tara Monsod is up for the big prize. She’s the first and only San Diego chef nominated for Best Chef, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Winners will be announced in June, so good luck, chef!
Marugame Udon is now open at Westfield UTC, joining other culinary superstars in what’s arguably the best mall food court in San Diego. The Japanese udon chain’s specialty is Sanuki, famously thick and slurpable wheat flour noodles. More locations are coming to San Diego in the coming months.
Jill Solomon (Cow by Bear) and Jessica O’Shea (TNT Pizza) are the proud new owners of North Park’s Atypical Waffle, a tiny breakfast spot tucked behind a laundromat on 30th Street. Once their remodel is complete (hopefully in May), be sure to stop by for some weird and wacky waffles and whatever new items hit the menu.
